One would be hard pressed to call Columbus native TaNeal a local artist, as she has traveled far and abroad just to share her music with the masses. I recently had an opportunity to conduct an interview with the woman that has been Learning 2 Love, on her way to A New Discovery.

MannyWallace.com: How long have you been singing?
TaNeal: I came into the world singing ?

MW: Who are your greatest musical inspirations?
T: Anita Baker, Cassandra Wilson, Bahamadia and Lauryn Hill to name a few

MW: And what about non-musical inspirations?
T:My Daddy! He taught me how to work hard now and play later. I think he really means make time to play because till this day he works about 16 hour shifts.

MW: You are always on the go it seems..what are some of your favorite places to visit?
T:I am traveling more than I ever did this year and so far Miami still has my heart!

MW: Any artist that you would like to work with and why?
T: Well, I don’t know what the Hermit Maxwell is waiting for. He know we need to do a song together! It seems we are on the same vibe level, musically anyway.

MW: Since the people now have a little bit of background on you, let’s move into the music. Your debut album, “Learning 2 Love”…explain if you could what that means to you. Loving someone else? Loving yourself?
T: “Learning 2 Love” is my testimony and how I have learned to love myself and everyone around me. Even if I didn’t have anything, music and a network of good people is better than money any day! I have a better appreciation for music and I’m able to put more expression and personality in my singing. I also have a new love for acoustic guitar, but I do not work on it as much as I should.

MW: Favorite song on the album and why?
T: Oh Discovery is my first and my last ? I’m thinking of re-recording that song. It is my theme song. Discovery taught me how grown I was and that I didn’t have to wait on anyone for the things I want for myself.

MW: I like “Discovery”, and I believe your follow-up album will be called A New Discovery. What’s that discovery and is it safe to say that you’ve learned to love?
T: No I’m actually still learning, some say I’m very mature others say I need to grow up…I say I’m living how I feel and REALLY need to keep travelling and see as much of the world as I can! So tell everyone to go to my myspace and click on the demand picture to demand me in their city. I need to know where I should travel to next!

MW: What do you want people to take away from the album?
T: I really hope it touches someone’s heart and learn 2 love as much as I have and continue to stay with me throughout my career. I can’t do more without them!

MW:A few weeks ago, you asked your fans what genre(s) do you fall under…what do you think you fall under?
T: I call my genre “UniverSoul” because my music is universal and I sing from my Soul. That’s all I can really say about that.

MW: I’m going to get all up in your business now…you have a track on L2L called “Favorite Boy”, who’s your favorite at the moment?
T: I’m not gonna say…but he know who he is

MW:Any setbacks thus far in your career, if so..how did you overcome them?
T: My networking circle is a little smaller than it was last year and I was little saddened by that. I’m trying to be strong and pray that my resources grow more and that I get back on track and get a better project recorded and booked in more shows!

MW: If you weren’t pursuing your singing career, what would you be doing instead?
T: Well, I’d love to get married, have a few babies and work on an online business. I’d still produce and write music as well!

MW: Lastly, anything that you want to say to the public?
T: Hhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm, thank you all for believing and sticking in there with me. Please help me spread the word about my music and tell your family and friends to buy my cd. I can do more music with quality sound with your financial support. I love you all!

Check out TaNeal’s MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/tanealnewartist